Following a successful season, one which has
seen them finish third in National 1, their highest ever league standing, a gathering
of over 200 attended the Cornish Pirates’ annual Awards Evening on Sunday.
For
invited players, officials and volunteers, plus their partners, it was a time
for relaxation and enjoyment in the ‘Westholme’ clubhouse and adjacent marquee,
all present welcomed by club chairman Robin Turner.
A
special guest, making a weekend visit to present the awards, was former Wasps
player Alan Black, an experienced rugby man who has held various posts at Twickenham
since 1985, him introduced by Phil Westren who announced and took the opportunity
to express a few words about each award winner.
After blazer badges
for having played 50 games for the Pirates were presented to Lee Jarvis and Wes
Davies, and merit ties presented to Alan Paver, for having played 100 games, and
Heino Senekal, for having played for Namibia, the following main awards were made:-
Travelling Supporters’ Player of the Year – Gavin Cattle.
Most Improved Player – Sam Betty.
Sportsman of the Year – Gavin
Cattle.
The Stirling Cup for Commitment – Alan Paver.
The
Monckton Cup for Achievement - no surprise following his exploits with Wales in
both the IRB Sevens and the Commonwealth Games – Rhodri McAtee (who was wearing
his Commonwealth Games suit for the occasion).
The Roger Pascoe Cup
for the Supporters’ Player of the Year – Rhodri McAtee.
Clubman of
the Year – a popular and deserved winner for his efforts both on and off the field
to revamp the Pirates ‘amateur’ 2nd. XV – Scott Dugdale.
Try of the
Season – sponsored by Follett Stock, this award also went to Rhodri McAtee, the
supporters choice being the Welsh whippet’s hat-trick score against Doncaster
– the fleet-footed magician receiving a pass from Wes Davies to then run in mesmeric
style to blitz the last line of defence and score.
Before the main
award some extra presentations were made, the first being a framed picture of
the Mennaye Fields to Joe Bearman in recognition of his playing services to the
Pirates 1997-2006. The popular performer had also had the honour of receiving
‘The President’s Cup’ the day before – Cornish Pirates’ director Martin Hudson
having made the presentation after the London Welsh game on behalf of Dicky Evans.
Treve Stirling and Paul Quayle, two Colts coaches present, were re-presented
with Cornwall 7-a-side trophy, their team having earlier in the day won it for
the first time since 1968, and Lee Jarvis, with a sensible blend of humour, lightened
things up with some ‘special’ awards for certain players in the squad.
As to the final main award, the announcement is always awaited with interest,
it going to a popular performer, someone who always has time to speak to people,
to sign an autograph, a leader who plays with immense passion and commitment,
a great example to all both on and off the field – Gavin Cattle.
Formal
requirements completed, a buffet followed for all, it finishing off a deservedly
enjoyable evening.
